Utah CDL applicants work through the Utah Driver License Division (DLD). The state requires applicants to be at least 18 and to have held a Class D license for one year. Commercial knowledge tests are closed-book, English-only, and require 80%. After passing, the applicant receives a 180-day commercial learner permit (CLP).
Current non-domiciled notice: Utah DLD states that, effective January 20, 2026, it paused issuance of non-domiciled CDLs until further notice. Applicants affected by this rule should check the official page before paying for training.
Utah CDL Quick Facts
| Item | Current Utah requirement |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Utah Driver License Division (DLD) |
| Minimum age | 18; interstate commerce and HazMat generally require 21 |
| Prior driving experience | Hold a Class D license for one year |
| Knowledge application | $52, including two attempts on the core tests |
| Additional core knowledge attempts | $26 for two more attempts |
| Endorsement test | $9 for two attempts; another $9 for two additional attempts |
| CLP validity | 180 days |
| DLD skills test | $78 for two attempts; retake fee $52 |
| CLP holding period | At least 14 days before skills testing |
| Passing score and language | 80%; English only, no translation materials |
| ELDT | First Class A/B, B-to-A, and first H/P/S endorsements |
| Official handbook | Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook |
Third-party testers set their own prices. Medical evaluation, training, test vehicle, endorsements, rescheduling, and retesting may add to the state charges.
Utah Knowledge Tests and Practice Modules
The $52 application includes the three core tests applicable to the class: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles for Class A, and Air Brakes when needed. General Knowledge has 50 questions, Combination 20, and Air Brakes 25.
- General Knowledge diagnostic
- Air Brakes diagnostic
- Combination Vehicles diagnostic
- Hazardous Materials diagnostic
- Tanker diagnostic
- Doubles and Triples diagnostic
- Pre-Trip Inspection diagnostic
Utah CDL Application Steps
1. Choose the class and endorsements
Use the vehicle ratings and work to determine Class A, B, or C. Add only the endorsements required for passenger, school bus, tank, HazMat, or doubles/triples work. The T endorsement is a knowledge qualification, not blanket permission for every long combination or route.
2. Complete medical and identity requirements
Bring proof of identity, full Social Security number, and two Utah residence documents when the address differs from your current record. Utah requires a Medical Examiner’s Certificate and self-certification. The official page says the medical examiner must submit the MEC before the CDL appointment.
3. Schedule the original CDL appointment
Complete the DLD application and choose an office that processes CDLs. DLD currently notes that Farmington, Logan, and Tooele offices do not process CDL transactions.
4. Pass the closed-book knowledge tests
All tests are English-only and translation materials are prohibited. Study the official handbook rather than relying on memorized question sets. Two attempts on the required core tests are included in the $52 fee; further attempts cost $26 per pair.
5. Receive the 180-day CLP
Practice only with a properly licensed CDL holder and in the correct vehicle class. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days. Use this period to rehearse inspections aloud and practice control maneuvers in the configuration you will test in.
6. Complete ELDT
Use an FMCSA-registered provider when applying for a first Class A or B, upgrading B to A, or adding a first H, P, or S endorsement. Confirm the completion record is posted before scheduling skills testing.
7. Take the skills test
Utah offers DLD and approved third-party options. The DLD test costs $78 for two attempts; later retakes are $52. Third parties determine their own charges and electronically submit results.
The test includes inspection, basic control, and on-road driving. Testing without air brakes or in an automatic transmission can add air-brake or automatic-transmission restrictions. Use a representative combination if you want unrestricted tractor-trailer authority.
8. Review the issued CDL
Check the class, endorsements, K restriction if intrastate only, air-brake and transmission restrictions, and expiration date before leaving the office.
Utah-Specific Operating Preparation
- Mountain grades: On routes such as I-80 through Parleys Canyon, select the correct gear before descending and preserve service brakes. Follow posted truck instructions and current road restrictions.
- Winter conditions: Check Utah road information before entering canyons or high passes. Engine retarders and aggressive inputs can reduce control on slippery surfaces.
- Long combinations: Study converter dollies, coupling, rearward amplification, trailer order, and inspection. Confirm route, dimensions, permits, and carrier qualification separately from the T endorsement.
- Medical categories: Utah distinguishes federal medical certification from its intrastate medical process. Do not pay the intrastate medical fee unless that is the category DLD determines applies.
Official Sources
- Utah DLD — CDL information
- Utah CDL written knowledge test
- Utah CDL driving skills test
- Utah DLD fee schedule
- Utah Commercial Driver License Handbook
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry
Utah CDL FAQ
Does the $52 knowledge fee include the skills test?
No. The $52 application covers two attempts on the core written tests. The DLD driving skills test is $78 for two attempts; a later skills retake costs $52.
How long is the Utah CLP valid?
The permit is valid for 180 days and must be held for at least 14 days before the skills test.
Can I use translation materials?
No. Utah states that CDL tests are English-only and translation materials are prohibited.